Hot dogs and chips to replace fries at Potato Bowl event

This year’s attempt in Grand Forks to set a new world record for the largest single serving of fries is being replaced with hot dogs and chips.

The french fry feed – part of the annual Potato Bowl festivities – is being cancelled for the second straight year due to COVID-19.   The company that provides the spuds is opting out because of rising COVID numbers.  In a prepared statement J.R. Simplot calls it a difficult decision but a step to ensure the health and safety of customers…employees…and community.

The Potato Bowl committee has decided to move forward with the event under the brand “Potato Bowl in the Park.”   Ted Kreis – Marketing and Communications Director for Northern Plains Potato Growers Association – says they will be happy to promote a different segment of our growers, the chip growers.”

The committee will continue to monitor and follow all local regulatory requirements and make changes if needed.

Simplot statement:

The safety of our customers, employees and the communities where we operate is our highest priority. In response to the unfolding impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we are following or exceeding recommendations from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and local health organizations to maintain this standard.

 With this in mind, and because of the rising case numbers we’re seeing here and around the country, we have decided not to host the free fry feed for this year’s Potato Bowl game. This was a very difficult decision and one we made with considerable thought. We take great pride in hosting this family-friendly event each year and look forward to many years of free french fries and supporting the Fighting Hawks.

 Until then, we will continue to follow or exceed all regulatory requirements and take appropriate steps to do our part to help ensure the health safety of the community.